We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that the Dandenong Club will feature Barrie Lester in our Saturday teams for the 2024/25 pennant season. Barrie brings a wealth of experience and talent, having started his career in Victoria before moving to Queensland in 2019. He has proudly represented Australia an impressive 252 times since his debut at the Tri-Nations in 2006, with his latest achievement being a gold medal win in the men’s triples at the 2023 Multi-Nations event on the Gold Coast.
Barrie has been a model of consistency throughout his time with the national program, participating in three Commonwealth Games (2006, 2018, and 2022) and the World Bowls Championships in 2016. His accolades include four Commonwealth Games medals – three silver and one bronze – along with two silver medals from the World Bowls Championships.
The Bendigo-born star had an outstanding performance at The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, securing silver in men’s triples and finishing strong in men’s fours. Notably, he was honoured to receive the ceremonial Commonwealth flag on behalf of Victoria for hosting duties.
Barrie’s journey began when he took up lawn bowls at age fifteen after “breaking too many bones playing footy.” Moving to Lakes Entrance introduced him to bowls legend John Snell who became his mentor. Since making his debut for Australia in 2006, Barrie has amassed over two hundred caps including two silver medals at the World Bowls Championships (2016). He was named Australian Male Bowler of the Year for 2016-17 and played a key role as part of Queensland’s team that won triples title at the Australian Championships (2021).
Currently playing for Broadbeach Club on the Gold Coast, Barrie is also a highly respected coach touring across Australia helping clubs not just improve their game but also develop operationally.
He’s been a key player in our BPL team, having played 175 games since he joined us back in 2019. His contributions have been crucial to our championship wins in BPL15, BPL16, and BPL19. Plus, he’s also part of the Dandenong Club UBC team that includes the 2019 championship victory.
This signing is another crucial step forward as we aim for promotion into the Metropolitan Premier division this season alongside other fantastic additions like Australian representative Sammy Atkinson, the returning Rob Wilson, Scottish Internationals Aaron Betts & Blair Davidson!
